It may be tough to know when your Phoenix artificial grass just needs upkeep and freshened up as opposed to a total replacement. Don’t worry, we’re here to help with this quick and handy guide.

ON-SITE ASSESSMENT

If it is a synthetic grass that can last long beyond its warranty or a sports turf field, it is important to check some of the following items to look for wear and tear. Having a turf assessed by an expert is best.

BAD DRAINAGE

One of the primary indications of inadequate drainage can be seen with standing water on the grass surface. Even though this doesn’t show that the artificial turf is needing replacement but must be corrected or properly maintained over the lifetime of the synthetic turf, then it can be corrected when it's replaced. If you notice pooling, this may indicate a problem or dips with the sub-base system. More commonly you will discover that water will displace the turf infill causing the turf to lay down as the water mats the fibers. This can occur where downspouts are located as well as .

SURFACE DAMAGE

If your synthetic turf is approaching the end of its lifecycle, you might start seeing deterioration or other damage as a result of UV. Make sure to occasionally check your artificial surface for damage caused by pets or wild animals and occasionally even lawn mowers. Moreover, damage from backyard fires, bad weather, or other mishaps can impact a turf’s lifespan.

STAINS & ODORS

Paint and oil spills could be particularly tricky to handle on synthetic turf if not washed immediately, leading to irreparable damage. Lead-based paint is not removable from artificial surfaces. If you own a pet using the lawn, it is advised to do frequent cleaning to keep it looking beautiful and stink free. Take a look at our cleaning guide here. If you are dealing with turf that’s been neglected, replacing it might be your best bet.

FADED & MATTED SURFACE

UV exposure over the years is one of the biggest contributors to turf wear. High-quality synthetic turf is treated with UV stabilizers, but as these stabilizers are depleted several years after installation, you might notice a color change and sections where the grass becomes matted because of UV and frequent traffic. If the surface is not occasionally professionally maintained as part of normal maintenance, it will be more difficult to revitalize the grass year after year.

INFILL COMPACTIONS

After a while, infill could start to compact, exactly like soil does. If artificial grass is not occasionally maintained, it can lead to the surface getting stiff and compacted. Walk on the turf to feel for patches that are oddly firm. Having an artificial turf expert test the surface hardness with a testing tool like the GMAX is the only way to figure out how compact the surface is. These devices will drop a weight that has an accelerometer from a known height to determine deceleration, AKA how rapidly the weight stops once it impacts the surface.

INFILL MEASUREMENTS

With heavy rain or pedestrian traffic, infill materials will naturally began to migrate away from the surface. It’s crucial to maintain your infill depth over 20mm to keep the grass leaves standing and the turf working the way it was intended. Synthetic grass that has lost a large quantity of infill will lead to even more surface matting. It’s likely you just have to have an infill refresh as opposed to a whole turf replacement, so be sure to consult a professional.

GET SOUTHWEST GREENS QUALITY

Southwest Greens' earliest installations are 20 years old or older and have kept the natural green color and texture of genuine grass. Our UV-resistant artificial turf products look and work like new because they’re designed to withstand heavy traffic, extreme weather conditions, and temperature fluctuations for year-round use.

All installations come have a complete one-year warranty on workmanship and manufacturer's warranty that protects against fading. Our artificial grass is developed to be used and is great for busy areas or for long-term sporting purposes. Contact Southwest Greens of the Valley today if you’re ready to experience the Southwest Greens difference. We’re glad to give you a free consultation.